Bedford 2030 has announced that Mariah Okrongly, their program director, will take on the role of executive director, effective today, Nov. 1. Okrongly succeeds Midge Iorio, who has led the organization for 13 years and decided to step down.
“This community has been so lucky to have Midge capably steering the helm of this organization for 13 years, and we will miss her leadership,” Board President Karen Sabath said. “We are equally thrilled that Mariah will be stepping into this role.” She highlighted the new leader’s “deep dedication to our mission” and “tremendous passion for the climate action work we do.”
She continued, “Having grown within the organization, Mariah understands what we do and where we need to focus as we work towards our goals. We know that Mariah will help us make an even bigger impact, and we’re looking forward to this next chapter of Bedford 2030 with her leading the way,”
During her tenure, Okrongly has spearheaded several impactful initiatives, including Bedford 2030’s Personal Energy Coach, officials said. That program has supported over 300 community members in navigating the complex process of home and building energy upgrades, reducing energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas pollution. She was instrumental in developing the Building Health and Performance Initiative, a partnership program with the town to make our local rental units safer and healthier, and EV2030, Bedford 2030’s tool to help people transition away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. She also led efforts to strengthen data and metrics, and reach new audiences.
“It will be an honor to lead Bedford 2030 in the executive director role as we push toward a greener, more sustainable future,” Okrongly said. “I am committed to advancing our mission with the same dedication I’ve brought to the organization over the past three years as program director.” She said a priority will be “to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation.”
Iorio joined Bedford 2020 as program director in 2012 and was promoted to executive director four years later. During her tenure, officials said, the former executive director created a wide array of impactful programs, strengthened the brand, and relaunched the organization as Bedford 2030 with a new 10-year climate action plan and aggressive new goals.
“I am incredibly proud of what this organization and community have accomplished together,” Iorio said. “However, as we see every day, our work is more vital and urgent than ever. I cannot imagine anyone better suited than Mariah to lead Bedford 2030’s Climate Action Now movement.”
Although Iorio is stepping down from her current role, she will stay on through early spring to support her successor and help ensure a strong transition, the organization said.